Messerschmitt M 24

The Messerschmitt M 24, otherwise known as the BFW M.24, was an airliner developed in Germany in the late 1920s[1] as a further development in the series of designs produced by Messerschmitt, based on the M 18.[2] Like the M 18 and its follow-on, the M 20, it was a high-wing cantilever monoplane with a fully enclosed cabin and fixed tailwheel undercarriage. It was slightly smaller than the M 20, seating only eight passengers instead of the ten that could be carried by the previous aircraft.[2]

M 24
Role Airliner
National origin Germany
Manufacturer Bayerische Flugzeugwerke (BFW)
Designer Willy Messerschmitt
First flight 1929
Number built 4
Developed from Messerschmitt M 18, Messerschmitt M 20

Two prototypes were initially built with BMW and Junkers inline engines, followed by two more with BMW-built Pratt & Whitney radials. However, Messerschmitt proved unable to sell the design, possibly due at least in part to the enmity of Deutsche Luft Hansa director Erhard Milch towards Messerschmitt.[3]

The first M 24a (Junkers-engined, registered D-1767) was used commercially from 1930 by Nordbayerische Verkersflug on the Dresden-Chemnitz-Plauen-Nuremberg route, until it was lost in 1934.[4]

Variants

Specifications (M 24b)

General characteristics

  • Crew: two
  • Capacity: eight passengers
  • Length: 12.80 m (42 ft 0 in)
  • Wingspan: 20.60 m (27 ft 7 in)
  • Height: 4.20 m (13 ft 9 in)
  • Wing area: 43 m2 (462 sq ft)
  • Empty weight: 1,480 kg (3,260 lb)
  • Gross weight: 3,000 kg (6,600 lb)
  • Powerplant: 1 × BMW-built Pratt & Whitney Hornet , 447 kW (600 hp)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 220 km/h (140 mph, 120 kn)
  • Range: 800 km (500 mi, 430 nmi)
  • Service ceiling: 5,500 m (18,000 ft)

Notes
  1. Taylor 1989, 651
  2. The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft, 2459
  3. Szegeti 1998, 74
  4. Smith 1971 p.27

References
  • Smith, J Richard (1971). Messerschmitt an aircraft album. London: Ian Allan. ISBN 0-7110-0224-X.
  • Szigeti, Marton (July 1998). "Messerschmitt History: Civil Projects". Flug Revue. Archived from the original on 2008-11-20. Retrieved 2008-10-24.
  • Taylor, Michael J. H. (1989). Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation. London: Studio Editions. ISBN 0-7106-0710-5.
  • The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft. London: Aerospace Publishing.
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